Nick Manheim: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Nick Manheim

City: St. Charles

Office sought: School Board

Age: 40

Family: Wife (Erin); two children ages 8 & 3

Occupation: Architect

Education: BA in Architecture from Southern Illinois University; Masters of Architecture from Louisiana State University

Civic involvement: President of the Norris Recreational Center Board of Trustees (2011-2016)

Previous elected offices held: CUSD303 School Board Member (2011-current - Vice President (3 years); Secretary (5 years))

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? Yes, 2011

Website:

Facebook: fb.me/Manheim4D303

Twitter:

Issue questions

What are the most important issues facing your district and how do you intend to address them?

At this moment the most important issue is probably teacher negotiations. We've had an open and honest relationship with the Associations and maintaining that mutually beneficial relationship is paramount. Our neighboring communities loom large as examples for how these relationships can break down and negative outcomes can impact an entire community. So, right now those negotiations are important - and should be treated as such. I also think communication is a pressing issue. As a Board Member I've heard loud and clear that our community wants more communication and clearly articulating and encouraging our administration and staff to meet those needs with a clear plan would start to address the issue.

How satisfied are you that your school district is adequately preparing students for the next stage in their lives, whether it be from elementary into high school or high school into college or full-time employment? What changes, if any, do you think need to be made?

I think we do prepare students for the next stages of their lives. We have some of the highest college readiness scores in the county and our schools are consistently ranked on national ranking systems. We've met challenges head-on with creative and innovative interventions, which our staff have researched and implemented with expertise. We have a lot to be proud of. There is always room for improvement, but that's the point. When you're working to improve the environment or programs for kids you always want to get better and better. As long as we can do that, and be fiscally responsible, we're succeeding as a district.

What budgetary issues will your district have to confront during the next four years and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, be specific about programs and expenses that should be considered for reduction or elimination. On the income side, do you support any tax increases? Be specific.

Right now the uncertainty with State mandates (sometimes unfunded State mandates) and policies are pressing. As a District we need to be financially solvent enough to adjust when new mandates arise but we also need to strategize how to comply with new mandates/policies without derailing our goals for our students. We've maintained an excellent debt ratio while I've been on Board, the lowest in the area, and that's something not only am I proud of (especially as the Chair of the Business Services Committee) but something I think is essential because of this issue with the State. Sometimes this leads to difficult decisions, but it also leads to stability in the long run and our ability to maintain programs and environments that are best for kids. I'm proud of the tax abatements and lowered taxes we've given our community during my tenure and I'd be proud to continue on that end if elected.

Are you currently employed by or retired from a school district, if so, which one? Is any member of your direct family - spouse, child or child-in-law - employed by the school district where you are seeking a school board seat?

No, I am not currently employed by, nor have I retired from a school district. My wife is currently employed by CUSD303 as a high school teacher.

As contract talks come up with various school employee groups - teachers, support staff, etc. - what posture should the school board take? Do you believe the district should ask for concessions from its employees, expect employee costs to stay about the same as they are now or provide increases in pay or benefits?

The School Board's role in collective bargaining is to act in good faith and as we're currently in the middle of contract negotiations it wouldn't be in good faith to comment.

If your district had a superintendent or other administrator nearing retirement, would you support a substantial increase in his or her pay to help boost pension benefits? Why or why not?

As a Board it's important to defer to State guidelines so we don't incur unnecessary penalties or put added strain on TRS.